Mahama appoints Ato Forson, Kofi Buah Acting Ministers

President John Dramani Mahama has made two acting ministerial appointments following the untimely deaths of the Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology in a fatal helicopter crash on Wednesday.

In a statement from the Presidency, Minister for Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has been directed to take on additional duties as Acting Minister for Defence. Similarly, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, will now serve as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

The appointments are to ensure continuity in government operations following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of the two ministers while they were en route to an official event in Obuasi.

“The President has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister. The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice,” the statement read.

The announcement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, who also serves as Minister for Government Communications.

The nation continues to mourn the loss of the ministers, whose identities have yet to be officially confirmed by the presidency.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.